Family Files $50 Million Lawsuit After Mother Found Frozen in Supermarket Freezer
The family of a mother discovered deceased in a supermarket walk-in freezer has initiated legal action against the store manager, alleging negligence in the tragic incident. Helen Massiell Garay Sanchez, a 32-year-old anesthesiologist, was found unclothed and trapped in the freezer at a Dollar Tree store in Miami, Florida, on December 14, 2025.
Details of the Incident and Legal Claims
According to reports, an employee made the shocking discovery the morning after Sanchez's visit, prompting an immediate call to emergency services. Miami police have stated that there is no evidence suggesting Sanchez was forced into the freezer, leaving the circumstances of how she became trapped as an unresolved mystery.
The lawsuit, seeking $50 million in damages, places blame on store manager Yanelkis Gonzalez. It alleges that Gonzalez was informed a customer had not exited the store but failed to review available surveillance footage to locate Sanchez. Furthermore, the complaint asserts that Gonzalez did not implement adequate closing-time procedures to ensure all patrons had left the premises.
Allegations of Negligence and Faulty Equipment
Sanchez's family contends that the freezer was defective and that store employees neglected to prevent customers from accessing it. The legal filing accuses Gonzalez of not discovering Sanchez's presence in the freezer in a timely manner and failing to provide reasonable aid or summon emergency assistance.
Medical experts suggest that hypothermia, a condition where the body loses heat faster than it can produce it, may have played a role. In severe cases, hypothermia can lead to paradoxical undressing, where victims mistakenly feel overheated and remove their clothing, which could explain Sanchez's state when found.
Remembering Helen Massiell Garay Sanchez
A GoFundMe campaign established to support the repatriation of Sanchez's body to her home country of Nicaragua describes her as a devoted physician and beloved mother. The statement highlights her dedication to medicine, particularly her specialization in congenital heart disease, where her work brought hope and healing to numerous children and families.
Her family expresses a heartfelt wish to bring her home for a proper funeral, allowing her to rest surrounded by loved ones. This tragic event underscores the importance of safety protocols in retail environments and has sparked discussions on liability and preventive measures.
